Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Gypsy Diamonds Quilt Top

Last week I hinted that I'd been sewingtogether five year old blocks. They'd been hidden away in the closet because the sewing method suggested in the free online pattern did not result in blocks of equal size. Or, well, maybe it was just user error. Either way, the frustration made for some "out of sight, out of mind" thinking on my part!

I'm excited to say that the blocks are back in business and have become a quilt top now...ready to be quilted! My plan is to use this on my bed next autumn.

As I lay awake one night, not able to sleep, I began contemplating how to make all of the blocks the same size. It suddenly occurred to me that it could easily be done using my handy-dandy new triangle ruler. The ruler wasn't quite large enough, but with the additional help of a straight ruler, I was able to make it work out.

I even managed to come up with the right sized side triangles to enlarge the quilt to queen size. (The pattern had me chopping off all of the outside diamonds to create a lap size quilt without borders.) This is not a "fabric snob" quilt as many of the fabrics were purchased as flat fold fabric in a rural Kansas town. I also threw in some strips from my stash at the time. It's fun to look at the, now, older fabrics from 2008 and before. I still like them...yay!

The last challenge was finding the right fabric for the outside triangles. After much contemplating and auditioning at Sarah's Fabrics (my favorite LQS) with my friend, Vicki, we finally settled on this Amy Butler Gypsy Caravan Stash fabric called Gypsy Mum.

I love the craziness of all of these fabrics together! On another note, I'm honored to be nominated by Debbie at A Quilter's Table as one of 31 Inspiring Quilters on SewMamaSew today. It's been a fun series. Thanks, Debbie.

I just came over from Sew Mama Sew and love your blog. Your quilts are beautiful. I have been wandering around here for awhile but need to get back to the "work" I was doing before I rewarded myself with a blog read break. I'll be back.

The fabrics work great together--isn't if funny how sometimes the craziest combinations of color, scale and patter seem to just fit together? I saw your mention on Sew Mama Sew today--what I nice shout-out. Of course, I always knew that you were an inspiring quilter. I love your sewing style and your blog. Thanks for sharing your talents!

It's a great quilt, Carla. Strippy scrap quilts are the best! And it's nice that you could finish up a UFO. I recognized one print in particular, so I know you have some oldiest (not too old) and goodies there. I hope you enjoy quilting it!

Doesn't it feel great?? This reminds me of the quilt in Kaffe's book, one I've kind of wanted to make. The AB border is perfect, can't wait to see the quilting. Congrats on your honor, I totally agree :).

About Me

Since childhood I have had an unquenchable love of fabric. For years now my addiction has been directed toward quilts and, especially, the creation of them. I have the stash to prove it! Fred, my wonderful husband, supports and encourages my hobby. My 3 grown children and their families will never be cold, let's just say. I have a degree in home economics education and worked in a public library until a few years ago. Many days you will find me playing with one or more of my eight beautiful grandchildren at my home in the country.